- Dec 16, 2023
- 182
- 50
- 28
Magnetism. It had to be magnetism.
Somewhere within the whelp's thick head must've been a hunk of iron, attracted to the trimmed hedges and metal trees that lay beyond the border. Why else would the warrior find himself aching to run that way when out on patrol? Chickbloom tried to resist, and had gained strength since joining Skyclan, but screaming muscles could only resist being dragged away for so long.
The skittish Scottish Fold finally lost his footing when the magnet was closest, the reason within him fruitlessly trying to find purchase with roots and shrubs. The patrol he was part of had just stopped to lay fresh scent markers when amber eyes snapped to their surroundings. Chickbloom didn't have a stupendous sense of direction, but the boy knew this location well. There was a time when this place was like a window in his self-imposed padded cell, a place to see how others lived and imagine himself in their place. It was the spot on the border he’d always come to when he wanted conversation, even if it was just light chiding encouraging the then-kittypet to go home.
Chickbloom knew the way back to his housefolk from here. It was just a few minutes through the woods, and then he’d be at the walls of his former prison. The skittish Scottish Fold began to shake as the patrol made their way past, feeling the pull overwhelm him. “I’ll - uh - I’ll b-be right back. I need - I need to c-check something” The baby bird squeaked out, trying to sound casual as he peeled away from the group and began walking beyond the border.
It wasn’t long until a walk turned into a trot, and then a full sprint as the warrior felt his breath quicken. Horrid images began flashing in his mind, only serving to hasten his pace. His housefolk injured, trapped inside with no way to get help. Their den ablaze, the two perishing while their former pet was out gallivanting through the woods. Or the pair sitting safely at home, cuddling a new cat and confirming their abuse was Chickbloom’s fault.
Why did he care?
They’d neglected him. Isolated him. Trapped him. Why was the spineless whelp running back, worried for their safety? He didn’t want to return to that life, Chickbloom had grown too fond of Skyclan to even consider it, but still…the coward thought back to kithood, when the pair were the only parents he knew. They were good people back then. They were family back then. Perhaps they still were?
Trees and shrubs began to fade away, growing less dense as the forest faltered into manmade clearings. When the whelp’s fence came into view he veered left, scrabbling up the nearest tree to try and peer over it. Chickbloom was terrified now, all but certain of their demise. His breath was barely coming, stiff muscles struggling to reach a high enough branch. Yolk-splashed features steadied themselves as he finally sat down, wide eyes desperately searching what lay at the end of his gaze.
It took time; time enough for Chickbloom to feel tears begin to obstruct his vision, but he saw them. Two blurry shapes in the window rushing to get ready and go somewhere, a common sight when the whelp was still a pet. The boy only allowed himself to breathe when their monster’s growl reached folded ears, the metal construction tearing down the small thunderpath with two twolegs inside.
“They’re okay…” Chickbloom sighed with relief, feeling a racing heart finally begin to slow. They hadn’t changed either. Knowing the pair they wouldn’t be back until well after nightfall, but he’d already seen enough. The coward was vaguely aware of some of the patrol below him, and carefully descended to meet his peers. “S-Sorry about that-“ The warrior stammered, trying and failing to play off his little escapade. “It was - it was i-important to me.”